Jose Ramirez offered teammates $1000 for each home run and $500 for each RBI in crucial Tigers game, per report
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez reportedly held a meeting with the team where he pledged $500 for each RBI and $1,000 for each home run ahead of the ALDS finale.
According to MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, this promise was revealed during an interview with Carlos Baerga.
The Guardians went on to defeat the Detroit Tigers 7-3 in Game 5 to secure a spot in the ALCS against the New York Yankees. Ramirez opened the scoring for the Guardians as the result of a hit-by-pitch, while his teammates put on a strong performance to secure the win.
After promising his teammates $1,000 for a home run and $500 for a RBI, his teammates stepped up and delivered. Outfielder Lane Thomas blasted a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth and added an RBI single in the seventh, while Brayan Rocchio added another RBI single in the eighth to secure the win.
After starting his baseball career in the Dominican Prospect League, Jose Ramirez was scouted by the Cleveland Guardians and eventually signed with them in 2009. He went on to make his major league debut with them in September 2013 and made his first Opening Day roster in 2015.
Ramirez had a breakout season in 2017, making his All-Star debut and winning his first Silver Slugger award. He has since become a mainstay in their lineup.
The 2024 MLB season has been one of the high points of Jose Ramirez's career so far, making his sixth All-Star appearance and recording his second 30-30 season in the MLB. He has been an integral part of the Guardians' season and delivered several big moments in their postseason run.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone heaps praise Jose Ramirez ahead of ALCS showdown
Ahead of their ALCS showdown against the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone had some high praise for the opposing third baseman Jose Ramirez. In a press conference ahead of the game, Boone said:
"He's the complete package... If I hear another 'how underappreciated, underrated' he is from somebody on a network, I want to rip my arms off and throw it at the TV."
Given Ramirez's performances this season, it would be wise for Boone to keep an eye on the Guardians third baseman's form ahead of their five-game series. Moreover, with the Guardians coming off a crucial win last week, they carry momentum into the ALCS.